Section 10: Special Shunting Signals and Indicators

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On the London Midland and Scottish Regions, illuminated indicators displaying the words "set back" [10.35] were provided to control movements setting back into certain sidings, at locations where handsignals cannot be observed. Equivalent indicators on the Eastern Region displayed the words "shunt back" [10.36]. If the indication was extinguished, the setting back movement had to stop immediately.

In July 1967, the Operating Committee agreed on a standard form of indicator for loading/unloading. Three white lights vertically displayed (see [10.15]) means "move slowly in the normal direction for loading or unloading". Three flashing white lights at 45° [10.38] means "move slowly in the opposite direction to that required for loading or unloading". Three steady white lights at 45° (see [10.14]) means "prepare to stop", and three horizontal lights (red-white-red) (see [10.27]) means "stop immediately, irrespective of distance from the indicator". The Toton signals at Eggborough Power Station were altered to display aspects conforming to this new standard in August 1969.

At certain installations on the Scottish Region, the position light loading/unloading indicators did not display a "prepare to stop" aspect, and three steady white lights at 45° (see [10.14]) instead had the meaning "move towards the loading/unloading facility". Three vertical white lights (see [10.15]) meant "move away from the loading/unloading facility".

At various places on the London Midland, Western and Southern Regions, indicators in the form of a white light [10.39] are provided to control movements setting back, typically into sidings. There may be a series of indicators provided at intervals along the line, and they may be double-sided. If the white lights are extinguished, the setting back movement must immediately stop.

[10.39] Set Back White Light.
Area:Various
Usage: High
Status: Current

A series of special 'creep' indicators was installed at Fiddlers Ferry Power Station (London Midland Region) to control the unloading of coal trains. These displayed a vertical line of white lights for 'proceed' (see [10.32]) or a horizontal line of white lights meaning "stop immediately" (see [10.31]). If it was necessary for the train to reverse, a blue letter "X" was displayed [10.40].

At certain locations on the Scottish Region, an indication "P" may be shown for propelled movements [10.41]. No propelling movement must be made beyond the signal concerned unless the "P" indication is displayed.

In 1978, a "set back" indicator (see [10.35]) at Dudley (London Midland Region) was replaced by one that displayed the letters "SB" [10.42].

[10.42] "SB" Indication.
Area:Dudley
Usage: Low
Status: Historical

Around 1979, various NCB colliery sidings on the Western Region were provided with signals comprising three horizontal pairs of white lights. These signals controlled the loading of coal trains through the bunker. Only the top pair of lights was illuminated for the 'stop' indication [10.43], while illumination of the top and bottom pairs meant 'proceed' [10.44]. All six lights were lit for the 'set back' indication [10.45].

A series of "stop"/"proceed" indicators are provided at some collieries on the Eastern Region to control propelling movements on the line used for loading. The 'stop' indication comprises an illuminated letter "S" [10.46], and the 'proceed' indication is a letter "P" [10.47].